Identity Collage

Workshop Description:​Grief catches us all at different stages of our lives. Whether it is through the loss of a loved one, the loss of our job and identity or the loss of our health, we need to navigate what can not only be a difficult period, but an often excruciating transition. Through a series of exercises, some individual, some interactive while using expressive art and narrative therapy, but always within your comfort zone, we will examine grief in general terms and then delve deeper into what we hang onto, what we are prepared to let go of and how our losses have changed us. In order for a sense of deepening and understanding, we will be using different modalities to guide us through each section of this workshop. Art offers an unrestricted space, a fluidity in which each individual has the freedom and ability to express and explore their own journeys. No artistic experience or background necessary.

Ruby Cone MA is a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist who specializes in grief work and the many complications, which arise for individuals, partners and groups alike. In the last five years she has worked at the Dr. Peter’s Center and Musqueam Nation. She has an extensive background in aquatic therapy. It is through Ruby’s own personal journey through loss combined with her Masters studies at the European Graduate School, which has led her to gain a deeper insight into the often complicated work that surrounds grief. She brings with her an individual knowledge that allows a delicate balance of compassion, expression and theory to those she works with.

Bonnie Nish is Executive Director of Pandora’s Collective Outreach Society. Bonnie has been widely published worldwide in such places as The Ottawa Arts Review, The Danforth Review, Haunted Waters Press, Illness Crisis & Loss Journal Volume 24 and The Blue Print Review. Bonnie’s first book of poetry ‘Love and Bones ’ was released by Karma Press in 2013. Bonnie has a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Language and Literacy Education at UBC. Her next book “Concussion and Mild TBI: Not Just Another Headline” an anthology of concussion related stories, will be published by Lash and Associates in August 2016. Bonnie is a certified Expressive Arts Therapist with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the Vancouver Expressive Arts Therapy School who has worked extensively with youth and adults in high-risk situations. She has conducted writing and expressive arts workshops for over 20 years across North America. Learn more about Bonnie's expressive therapy work here. See her personal site here: www.bonnienish.com and http://bonnienishexpressivearts.ca/index.html